“When a Persian Ruler Argued Animals Might Be Better Than Humans”

What is it about?

This article presents a translation of a rare philosophical treatise by Qābūs Ibn Wushmgir (d. 1012), ruler of the Ziyārid dynasty in Iran and patron of learning. In this work, Qābūs challenges the common philosophical and theological idea that the human being is the noblest animal. Whereas philosophers like Fārābī and Avicenna insisted that humans alone possess intellect, Qābūs argues that animals also share in intellectual capacities, since they instinctively know how to survive, avoid harm, and live without teachers. For him, the true “noblest animal” is the one most self-sufficient, loyal, consistent in character, and naturally beautiful—traits more often found in animals than in humans. By turning the usual hierarchy upside down, Qābūs offers a striking critique of human superiority and an early defense of the dignity of non-human animals.

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Photo by Bogdan on Unsplash

Photo by Bogdan on Unsplash

Why is it important?

What makes this work unique is that it uncovers a little-known medieval critique of human superiority—centuries before modern discussions of animal rights or environmental ethics. By showing that a 10th-century Muslim ruler openly questioned human dominance, the piece connects past and present debates, reminding us that concerns for the dignity of animals have deep historical roots. This perspective can reshape how we think about the history of philosophy and give new weight to today’s conversations on human–animal relations.